Doctor's Corner

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

NPs are advanced practice nurses who provide high-quality healthcare services similar to those of a doctor. NPs diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems. They have a unique approach and stress both care and cure. Besides clinical care, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling. They help patients make wise health and lifestyle choices. They are truly your Partners in Health.

How long have NPs been providing health care?

NPs have provided excellent health care for more than 43 years. The first NPs were educated at the University of Colorado in 1965. Programs soon spread across the U.S. As of 2007, there are about 120,000 practicing NPs. Close to 6,000 new NPs are prepared each year at over 325 colleges and universities.

How are NPs educated?

NPs have graduate, advanced education and clinical training beyond their registered nurse preparation. Most have master’s degrees and many have doctorates.

What services do NPs provide?

From treating illness to advising patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, NPs provide a full range of services. Patients who see NPs report an extremely high level of satisfaction with the care they receive. The faith that patients have in NPs is shown by the almost 600 million visits made to NPs each year.

Among the many services that NPs provide, they:

Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays

Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions

Prescribe medications and other treatments

Manage patients’ overall care

Spend time counseling patients

Help patients learn how their actions affect their health and well-being